First Look: DeSantis Gator Sting Holster

Among longtime shooters and fans of the classic 1911 platform, having a so-called "barbecue gun" stems from a tradition of having a finely finished handgun worthy of showing off with an outside-the-waistband holster at a gathering of like-minded aficionados. Of course, along with a prototypical "barbecue gun," having an attractive holster to match is a must. DeSantis Holsters, in its new-for-2019 lineup, now offers such an option in the form of its Gator Sting holster.

Often, custom-holster manufacturers that offer specialty leather designs constructed from alligator, stingray and other exotic skins are made-to-order options that cost many hundreds of dollars. DeSantis decided to tackle that market with a semi-custom option made with genuine American Alligator hide molded around a lining cut from the company's stock of premium saddle leather. The resulting holster provides handgunners with a forward-facing cant along with a cutout below the trigger guard that allows for a solid firing grip before the gun leaves the holster.

Each DeSantis Gator Sting Holster includes an open holster bottom that allows debris to clear, and a tension-adjustment screw located at the bottom of the rig allows users to fine-tune the amount of friction retention holds their gun in the holster. Two wide belt loops, one at the front and one at the rear, allow users to easily thread their gun belt into the rig, and reinforced stitching ensures that the holster can handle a lifetime of use.

As is fitting for any attractive, barbecue-gun holster, the DeSantis Gator Sting fits all 5-inch, Government-profile 1911s. However, with a growing market of high-end, custom Glock handguns on the market as well, fits are available for the Glock G17, G19, G22, G23, G31, G32, G36 and G45. Owners of SIG Sauer P938s and Kimber Micro 9s can also grab a compatible fit in the Gator Sting lineup.

The suggested retail price on the DeSantis Holsters Gator Sting is $159.99.